Smoky River FCSS celebrates 50 years of service to the region

Pictured above, from left, are former staff member Annette Erickson, former staff member Brigette Bergeron, Community Development Coordinator Jean Moore-Lemoine, FCSS Director Lynn Florence and former Director Gerry Nicolet.

Mac OlsenExpress Staff@SmokyRiverExprs

The well-wishers and congratulations were present for Smoky River Family and Community Support Services’ special night in Falher.

Smoky River FCSS is celebrating 50 years of service to the region this year and the organization marked the occasion with a dinner and silent auction at the Club Alouette in the evening of Oct. 20.

Jean Moore-Lemoine, the Community Development Coordinator, was pleased with the turnout and noted the proceeds from the event will go to the Smoky River Transportation Program.

“The communites have been supporting this program out of their own budgets for 12 years,” says Moore-Lemoine.

“That’s why we do the fundraising. We’re blessed to have communities that care enough to provide this program.”

Current Director Lynn Florence welcomed everyone to the event and she highlighted the dignitaries and former staff of Smoky River FCSS, as well as the current board, and the council representatives from their respective communities.

Former staff members Annette Erickson (1985 – 1995) and Brigette Bergeron (1997-2008) were in attendance, as was former Director Gerry Nicolet (1973-1980).

Nicolet offered his thoughts about running the organization back in his day. He also congratulated the present board of directors and all the councils for supporting Smoky River FCSS.

Georgia Dubois, the previous director, and NDP MLA Marg McCuaig-Boyd were also present and they offered their thoughts as well.

Later in the evening, Moore-Lemoine offered her thoughts about what the Smoky River Transportation Program offers to the users.

Moore-Lemoine also highlighted Smoky River FCSS’s Ol’ Tyme Family Night and the volunteers who perform for it.

The FCSS Association of Alberta will present their 2017 Award of Excellence to Smoky River FCSS in the near future, which she is proud of. Check Page 2 of the Oct. 18 edition of the Express for details.

Dinner was served as part of the celebration – consisting of chicken pot pies, salad and cake.